Simple Ruffle Table Runner

I always have a problem finding a runner to fit my long dining room table so I usually put together my own. Not only is it inexpensive but I am able to find exactly what I want with the large selection of fabrics available. Since my dining room furniture is dark, I thought I would keep the runner light and simple and add a little ruffle drop for summer. I spent a total of 1/2 hour at the most and only $7.18 on the fabric and was able to make just what I wanted.Begin with a cut of Unbleached Natural Osnaburg fabric. This runs about $3.99 a yard and I just love the natural ‘linen’ like look of the fabric {without the wrinkles or price tag}. Standard drop for a tablecloth is 10-15 inches so measure and cut according to the length of your table taking into account the addition of your ruffle. {I used three yards for my runner and used a 40% coupon on the fabric}

There will be three cuts made to your fabric at this point.
{1} You want to leave your fabric folded in half as it comes from the store, off the bolt, and just cut straight across the width {the desired length from calculations above}
{2} Cut the fabric down the ‘original’ fold so you are left with two pieces the desired length of your table.
{3} Take one of the pieces, fold it in half lengthwise and cut along the fold, making two pieces.
You should now have three pieces of fabric.

The two smaller width pieces will become the ruffles on each end of the runner. The length of these two pieces is determined by taking the width of your runner and multiplying it by 2.5 {this will give you enough material to gather for a nice full ruffle} Example: width of runner 30 inches; length of ruffle piece should be 75 inches long. {Note: my table is pretty long, 103 inches, so I defiantly had enough fabric using the cuts above for the ruffles. Make sure you check your measurements prior to cutting the fabric to ensure you have enough}

Next you want to ‘finish’ off three sides of each ruffle piece. I used Stitch Witchery to create my hems. Simply cut a piece of stitch witchery, fold the fabric to create the hem, and iron. {that quick and simple}

The corners I simply folded and used the Stitch Witchery to ‘seal’.

Leave the fourth edge raw, as this will be the side that you sew, so it does not have to be finished.

While you have your iron hot, go ahead and finish the edges of the runner piece as well. You only need to hem the long sides {length of the runner} as the ends will be finished with the ruffle.

Now back to your ruffle pieces…There are many different ways to make a ruffle; I simply used the method that was easiest to me.
Set your sewing machine on the longest stitch length and the tension on the highest number.
Leave long thread tail at the beginning and end and do not back stitch.
Slowly stitch and you will see a slight ruffle forming.

Once completely sewn, tie off one end in knot.

From the other end {opposite the tied knot}, gently pull on the upper thread and your fabric will begin to gather.

You want to pull until you have the ruffle the exact width of the runner. {you can adjust the ruffles once you have the correct length}

Place the ruffle and the runner right sides together and pin. Sew along the two using a straight stitch, and lightly press with an iron.

I just love the feminine touch the ruffle adds along with the fabric color and texture against the dark wood.

It’s all about simplicity for the summer.

Of course I couldn’t let the scraps go to waste; I covered a drum shade lamp I had in the room and added some rolled rosettes using the same technique as my gift toppers from Christmas {found here}. You can get a little better feel for the fabric color and texture in this picture. {love this fabric…dare I say more than burlap…and it doesn’t make a mess!}

Don’t forget to enter the UPrinting Giveaway {here} if you haven’t already. All you have to do is leave a comment to enter. Enjoy!

I love the look of that fabric. It’s gorgeous again the dark wood. I would totally copy your design IF I could keep my kids from putting their toys on my table top. It would just get messed up. It’s really, really pretty!

Table runner looks awesome….I want to make those rosettes for a lamp shade too! I used similar fabric recently for 2 projects, but it’s painters drop cloth from Home Depot…5×5 hemmed piece for about $5. Thanks for sharing some great ideas.

Love this, Stephanie! I have a ruffled runner on my table but the ruffle is much narrower. I REALLY like the longer ruffle – simple and beautiful. Isn’t Osnaburg wonderful? Thanks for sharing. I love your little rosette lampshade, too!

The runner looks great, and I love the drum shade covered in that fabric. I have one that is just not the right shade of brown, that might be an alternative. And I love the rosettes on it. I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks for the inspiration.

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